( The Times of Israel) – My beloved grandmother Savta Greta z”l often liked to use the acronym “Q.E.D.” – an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “quod erat demonstrandum” which means “that which was to be demonstrated” — signifying the end of a mathematical proof or logical argument. Essentially, it indicates the argument has been […]
The Verse “Hear O Israel” is Common to Judaism and Islam
( The Times of Israel) – This Shabbat we read the second paragraph of the Shema, and last week we read the first paragraph which opens with a call — arguably the most famous prayer in our liturgy: Listen, Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one” (Deut. 6:4). “The first paragraph of […]
Does Compromise show Weakness or Strength? – A Surprising finding in the Talmud
Growing up in Israel, the prevailing mentality surrounding me everywhere I went was that compromise shows weakness. The message was clear: compromise is a “Diaspora thing,” but for us Israelis – we stand strong, we take “what is ours,” and we don’t back down. But my father Elhanan Leibowitz OBM (of blessed memory), whose yahrtzeit, […]
Leon Fleisher – the Pianist Who Reinvented Himself and Inspired the World
It was a sad day for the music world when we heard that concert pianist, conductor, and teacher par excellence Leon Fleisher died on August 2 at the age of 92. But it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of a great musician who was an inspiration to countless music lovers and anyone struggling […]